Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤): The Four Gentlemen Decoction
1. Overview
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Category: Qi Tonifying Formulas
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Main Function: Strengthens Spleen Qi, supports the Middle Jiao
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Source: Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era), 1078 CE
2. Etiology of Spleen Qi Deficiency
Si Jun Zi Tang treats Spleen Qi Deficiency, which arises from:
| Etiological Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Improper diet | Overeating cold, raw, greasy, or sweet foods weakens the Spleen’s transformation and transportation functions |
| Overthinking / Mental fatigue | Excessive studying or worrying impairs the Spleen’s Qi, leading to fatigue and poor digestion |
| Chronic illness or prolonged weakness | Depletes Yuan Qi and weakens Spleen Qi over time |
| Congenital weakness | Some individuals are born with weak Spleen Qi or digestion |
| Overwork / Irregular lifestyle | Excessive physical labor or late nights drain Qi, especially when food is not nourishing |
In TCM, the Spleen is the source of post-natal Qi and responsible for transforming food into usable energy. If this process is impaired, Qi becomes deficient, affecting the whole system.
3. Ingredients & Dosage
| Herb (Pinyin) | Pharmaceutical Name | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ren Shen (人参) | Panax ginseng | 3–9g | Strongly tonifies Yuan Qi and Spleen Qi |
| Bai Zhu (白术) | Atractylodes macrocephala | 6–9g | Strengthens Spleen, dries Damp |
| Fu Ling (茯苓) | Poria cocos | 6–9g | Drains Damp, calms the Spirit, supports transformation |
| Zhi Gan Cao (炙甘草) | Honey-fried Licorice Root | 3–6g | Harmonizes, tonifies Qi, relieves spasms |
📝 Substitution Note: Dang Shen (党参) is commonly used instead of Ren Shen for milder cases or cost-effectiveness.
4. Clinical Indications
Primary Pattern: Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾气虚证)
Signs & Symptoms:
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Fatigue and weakness
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Pale or sallow complexion
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Poor appetite
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Loose stools
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Shortness of breath
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Weak voice
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Pale tongue with thin white coat
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Weak or soft pulse
Modern Correlations:
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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
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Post-viral syndrome
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Poor nutrient absorption
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Post-surgical recovery
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Digestive disorders in children or elderly
5. Modern Research Highlights
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Immunomodulatory: Enhances immune response, especially through Ginseng
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Digestive benefits: Improves enzyme activity and nutrient uptake
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Supports chemotherapy recovery: Helps restore energy and appetite
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Anti-inflammatory: Reduces chronic gastrointestinal inflammation
6. Contraindications
| Not suitable for: | Reason |
|---|---|
| Heat or Yin Deficiency | Can aggravate Heat signs like thirst, irritability, or red tongue |
| Qi stagnation with fullness or Damp-Phlegm | May worsen bloating, indigestion, or phlegm congestion without modifications |
| Early-stage febrile or infectious diseases | Tonifying may trap pathogens or delay clearance |
👉 Add Chen Pi, Ban Xia, or Sha Ren to aid digestion and prevent Qi stagnation if needed.
7. Summary Table
| Formula Name | Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤) |
|---|---|
| Main Action | Tonify Spleen Qi, strengthen digestion |
| Indications | Fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools |
| Etiology Treated | Improper diet, overthinking, chronic illness |
| Cautions | Excess Heat, Damp, Phlegm, or external pathogens |
| Modifications | Add herbs for phlegm, stagnation, or prolapse |
References -Data compile by Chat GPT
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Bensky, D., Clavey, S., & Stöger, E. (2004). Chinese herbal medicine: Materia medica (3rd ed.). Eastland Press.
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Chen, J., & Chen, T. (2004). Chinese medical herbology and pharmacology. Art of Medicine Press.
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Maciocia, G. (2015). The practice of Chinese medicine: The treatment of diseases with acupuncture and Chinese herbs (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
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Wiseman, N., & Ellis, A. (1995). Fundamentals of Chinese medicine: Zhong yi xue ji chu. Paradigm Publications.
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Wang, J., & Xu, G. (2009). Immunomodulatory and digestive support functions of Chinese Qi-tonifying herbs. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 126(1), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.08.037
